“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29
If you weren’t already aware… the World Race is weird. This is by far the most unique, unpredictable and wild season of my life thus far. There is a new twist and turn around every corner and in every new encounter. Living this life often brings me to think more fondly of the first disciples.
God literally asked them to leave everything behind and trust Him to provide. I’m *kinda* doing that on the World Race. I say “kinda” because I did not give up everything. I brought a huge backpack stuffed to the brim with both necessities and comforts. I still talk to my family and friends regularly. I have spending money and I can indulge in touristy “musts” and guilty pleasures. But, the World Race does allow enough uncertainty for the Lord to provide. I’ve heard (and seen for myself) testimonies of provision time and time again.
Let me explain a fun acronym for you. “ATL” is a World Race staple. “Ask The Lord” months make for some interesting and fun opportunities and challenges. Some months on the Race allow for structured ministry and confirmed hosts/lodging. Other months (ATL months), you’re on your own.
AIM makes sure each team gets to the country safely, and from there, it’s all up to the racers to decide where and how to live, as well as what type of ministry to pursue. I’m in the midst of an ATL month currently and it still honestly blows my mind. I’m 22, living in Southern Laos on a tiny island with no further instruction than to “stay in budget and make it to Thailand by Feb. 25.”
I’m kind of a control freak. Structure + precision are my bread and butter. ATL is neither of those things. It is so wildly beautiful this organization allows us to step foot into uncharted territory, with leaps of faith, to pave the way in places that have never heard the gospel. It’s impressive that 40ish young adults are willing to let go of control and allow the Holy Spirit to guide them daily.
This blog is about the spontaneity of ATL, and also about the uncertainty of the entire Race. I forget that y’all at home really don’t know how this deal works. Not only are we walking blindly into ATL months, we are usually walking blindly into structured ministry months as well. The staff at AIM does their part on the back end to ensure each team has a place to stay and a budget to follow. But, for each of the (at least) 11 moves we make throughout the year, we rarely know details about the next destination.
We find out one week prior to moving countries where our next ministry is located and what it consists of. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten on a bus without truly knowing anything about where I would end up once the wheels stop rolling. Team leaders receive a (usually) poorly detailed set-up sheet about our ministry and lodging situation and they relay the message to us. That’s it. Then we pray for the best…
We discuss…
“I heard we are in a village this month. I better refill my shampoo before I’m in the bush with no access to a convenient store.”
“Our lodging budget is bigger than normal. I don’t know what that means, but I bet we are going to have a luxury month.”
“Have you ever heard of _______? We can’t even pull it up on a map. We’re in for a real treat.”
I have had to let go of so much control. I could almost categorize myself as a “go-with-the-flow” person after participating in the World Race. I’ve certainly realized the importance of blind faith and believing without seeing.
My advice to you if you’re a control freak like me is, “Give it a shot.” Live a little on the wild side and walk in a lot more freedom. The Lord asks it of you. And honestly, it’s pretty dang fun.
